Strengthening the administrative capacities of local governments remains one of the greatest challenges for both central and local authorities, as 70% of European legislation is implemented at the local level, while the majority of key investments required to meet European obligations are carried out in municipalities.
This was highlighted during the 23rd session of the Joint Consultative Committee of the European Committee of the Regions and Montenegro, being held in Žabljak.
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević said that Montenegro is a frontrunner in the European integration process during the session entitled: “Montenegro’s Accession Process to the European Union from the Perspective of the Local Level.”
“This month, an Intergovernmental Conference will be held, during which the closure of five additional chapters is expected. We are sending a message that we are not slowing down when it comes to fulfilling our ambitious agenda and closing all negotiation chapters by the end of 2026,” said Maida Gorčević.
She emphasized that many obligations and challenges still lie ahead and that it is necessary to improve communication between the central level of government and local self-governments.
“As we close the negotiation chapters, we want to involve absolutely all stakeholders — all local self-governments, citizens, the NGO sector, the academic community, and all political parties — in this process. That is precisely why I must say that, so far, the Ministry of European Affairs has received support and an outstretched hand from absolutely all actors and social stakeholders within Montenegro, enabling us to fulfill everything that is expected of us,” said Maida Gorčević.
She called on representatives of local self-governments to participate more actively in the discussion and to engage in dialogue on where the Government and the Ministry can provide support.
“During my mandate so far, I have visited a large number of municipalities, and I plan to visit all of them by the end of my term, so that we can discuss improving the use of EU funds,” the Minister said.
Bernard Brunet, the Head of the Cooperation Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro emphasized that the upcoming period requires the full commitment of all institutions, as well as society as a whole, since the key and most demanding reforms still lie ahead.
“This is a joint effort involving both central and local institutions, as well as society as a whole. It is precisely at the local level that a large portion of European legislation is implemented, particularly in the areas of the environment, infrastructure, air quality, and public utility services,” emphasized Riccardo Serri Brunet.
He recalled that the majority of investments necessary to meet European obligations — from wastewater treatment plants and sewage and water supply networks to environmental standards — are implemented precisely at the municipal level.
“If there is no clear commitment and readiness to implement these investments, we risk facing problems in the future, including potential violations of European legislation after accession,” warned Riccardo Serri Brunet, adding that this is precisely why it is necessary to demonstrate determination to fulfill these obligations already during the pre-accession phase.
Brunet also emphasized that the investment needs of local self-governments are significantly greater than their fiscal capacities, which is why the EU is already working on mobilizing additional funding from European Commission funds, as well as from international financial institutions.
He also recalled that the 27 EU member states in Brussels are finalizing preparations for the Intergovernmental Conference at which five negotiation chapters are expected to be closed, representing “a strong signal that Montenegro’s European perspective is rapidly drawing closer.”
As he stated, once Montenegro joins the EU, even stronger coordination between the central and local levels of government will be required, since the new EU cohesion policy will require the preparation of national and regional development plans in close cooperation with municipalities.
“We need to begin that process now. When Montenegro becomes a member, it will be ready to present development plans and access far larger funds than those available today,” said Riccardo Serri Brunet.
He concluded that the EU remains a committed partner of Montenegro throughout all stages of the accession process and will continue to strongly support the development of local communities and infrastructure projects across the country.
Radoš Žugić the Mayor of Žabljak and President of the Board of Directors of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro emphasized that local self-governments have a key role in Montenegro’s European integration process and are ready to be a reliable and constructive partner in the country’s accession to the EU.
“Montenegrin municipalities are ready to be constructive, responsible, and fully engaged in fulfilling European obligations. Our task is clear — to apply European standards where life truly takes place, in our communities,” said Radoš Žugić.
He emphasized that it is precisely at the local level where the majority of the work related to aligning with EU rules takes place.
“Two-thirds of the European acquis is implemented at the municipal level. That is why local self-governments must play a strong role in shaping and implementing the policies that lead us toward full EU membership,” said Radoš Žugić.
He pointed out that Žabljak and all Montenegrin municipalities are already demonstrating their ability to make effective use of European funds, particularly in the areas of environmental protection, infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and digitalization.
“At the local level, the benefits of the European path are most visible through projects, investments, improved municipal infrastructure, and a higher quality of life for our citizens. We will continue to be an active partner to the Government and the EU Delegation in all forthcoming phases. I assure you that, as the Board and local self-governments, we will remain strongly committed to this process, in full cooperation with the European Committee of the Regions,” concluded Radoš Žugić.
President of the Assembly of the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro and President of the Assembly of the Capital City, Jelena Borovinić Bojović,stated that, in the previous period, the Podgorica Assembly adopted a decision to establish the Centre for Sustainable Development, “a strategic institution that will improve the use of EU funds and strengthen cooperation between civil society, the NGO sector, and the administration of the Capital City.”
“The idea behind the Centre is to enable more effective use of IPA and other European funds through the joint action of institutions and civil society. Very soon, we will witness its opening,” emphasized Jelena Borovinić Bojović.
The Centre will focus on projects in the fields of energy efficiency, green transition, waste management, protection of vulnerable groups, and sustainable development — topics that are of key importance not only for Podgorica, but for Montenegro as a whole.
The President recalled that Podgorica has launched a major reform process through the revitalization of local communities, following successful models from the region.
“We introduced the direct election of local community council members and council presidents through citizens’ assemblies. In doing so, we made a significant step forward toward greater transparency and direct democracy,” she emphasized.
Speaking about one of the Capital City’s most significant achievements, she recalled that Podgorica will hold the title of European Youth Capital in 2028.
“This project has a national character, and we are proud of the excellent cooperation with the Government, local self-governments across Montenegro, and the NGO sector. We succeeded in winning this prestigious title, and we are now entering a three-year implementation period of activities that will present Podgorica in the best possible light,” said Jelena Borovinić Bojović.
“European Youth Capital 2028 will be a project that transforms our city, opens space for innovation, youth participation, and European values in the way that Podgorica deserves,” concluded Jelena Borovinić Bojović.
The meeting continued with a second thematic session dedicated to the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans – opportunities for local communities in Montenegro, attended by Dr. Gordana Đurović,president of the Montenegrin Pan-European Union and Co-Chair of the Joint Consultative Committee between the EESC and Montenegro, Dr. Bernd Christoph Ströhm, postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW), Dr. Nenad Koprivica, Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM), Podgorica, and Žana JovanovićHead of the Unit for National Funds and the Reform Agenda, Structure for the Management of EU Funds, Ministry of Finance of Montenegro.
